Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Warrant Officer John William Smurthwaite, Durham Light Infantry and Inspector, United Provinces Police

British War and Victory Medals (11884 W.O. Cl. 1, Durh. L.I.); Delhi Durbar 1911, silver (J. W. Smurthwaite, U.P. Police); Coronation 1937, unnamed, mounted as worn. slight edge bruising, very fine and better (4) £90-120

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Indian Police.

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John William Smurthwaite was born in West Hartlepool, Co. Durham. A Groom by occupation, he attested for the Durham Light Infantry at West Hartlepool on 21 November 1904, aged 19 years. With them he served at Home, November 1904-October 1905 and in India, October 1905-November 1911. He was discharged at his own request and upon a payment of £25 at Nasirabad, Rajputana, India on 9 November 1911. Upon his discharge he joined the Indian Police Force and attained the rank of Inspector after two years service.

With the onset of war, Smurthwaite re-enlisted into the Durham Light Infantry in India during January 1915 and served as a Company Sergeant-Major with the 19th and then the 22nd Battalions Durham Light Infantry. With the latter he was advanced to Regimental Sergeant-Major in October 1915. R.S.M. Smurthwaite was discharged from the Yorkshire Regiment on 17 August 1919. Listed as a passenger, sailing from Liverpool to Bombay in July 1936, when his occupation was given as ‘Indian Police.’

With copied service papers.